"Step-by-Step Guide: Physical and Mechanical Tests of Cement"

Methods of Physical Tests of Cement (IS: 4031 series)

These tests assess the quality, performance, and physical properties of cement.

1. Fineness Test

IS: 4031 (Part 1)

Purpose: To measure particle size.

Methods:

Dry sieving using 90-micron sieve.

Air permeability method (Blaine’s apparatus).

Requirement: Residue on 90-micron sieve should be ≤10%.

2. Standard Consistency Test

IS: 4031 (Part 4)

Purpose: To determine water required to make a cement paste of standard consistency.

Apparatus: Vicat Apparatus

Noral range: 26%–33% water.

3. Setting Time Test

IS: 4031 (Part 5)

Types:

Initial Setting Time: Should not be less than 30 minutes.

Final Setting Time: Should not be more than 600 minutes.

Apparatus: Vicat Apparatus

4. Soundness Test

IS: 4031 (Part 3)

Purpose: To detect excessive expansion due to free lime or magnesia.

Method: Le Chatelier Method

Limit: Expansion should not exceed 10 mm

5. Compressive Strength Test

IS: 4031 (Part 6)

Purpose: To assess strength of cement mortar.

Method:

Mix cement and standard sand (1:3 ratio).

Water = Percentage from standard consistency + 3%.

Cube size = 70.7 mm.

Curing: 3, 7, and 28 days.

Tested using: Compression Testing Machine (CTM)

6. Heat of Hydration Test

IS: 4031 (Part 9)

Purpose: To measure the heat released during hydration.

Ued for: Mass concreting, dams, etc.

7. Specific Gravity Test

IS: 4031 (Part 11)

Purpose: To find specific gravity using Le Chatelier flask.

Value: Typically around 3.15 for OPC.

8. Density Test (Bulk Density)

No IS code in 4031, but done as per field/lab procedures.

9. Drying Shrinkage

IS: 4031 (Part 10)

Part No. Test Name

Part 1 Fineness

Part 3 Soundness

Part 4 Standard consistency

Part 5 Setting time

Part 6 Compressive strength

Part 9

Heat of hydration

Part 10 Drying shrinkage

Part 11 Specific gravity